Guidelines for Ethical Practice of the Counseling Profession

Ma. Ederma L. Dolendo

Document a rationalization for the course of action to serve as a basis for the steps that were taken.

Provide only pertinent information. Information

that is relevant only to the concerned, and how the third party can assist the client helps protect the

client from having too much personal information

revealed.

School counseling services should consider the total developmental needs of each student.

Counselors must inform students about the services they offer.

Counselors should refrain from imposing personal beliefs on minors and instead should challenge and assist students to make decisions based on their own belief system.

Counselors must protect student confidentiality.

Exceptions on Confidentiality

The client gives permission for the counselor to release information

Exceptions…

The client reveals harm to self or others

When a student reveals an indication of “clear and imminent danger” to self or others, the counselor is obligated to inform authorities and parents or guardians; this is known as the duty to warn.

Other considerations regarding confidentiality include:

Clerical assistants who file or handle records or personal information.

Consultation with others. The school counselor is often in situations such as team meetings or with parents, where shared information is in the best interest of the student.

Group sessions. When there is more than one individual in a group, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Exceptions…

Examples of Dual Relationship

Appropriate ReferralsAppropriate Referrals

In regard to working with groups, counselors only provide services which they are qualified and trained.

Counselors also have an ethical responsibility to provide information about the group process to the participants.

The group purposes, number of sessions, meeting times, evaluation, and leader qualifications are to be shared with the teachers, student participants , and parents or guardians.

When counselors have a reasonable expectation that a student’s behavior may lead to harm of self or others, counselors are to inform authorities.

Counselors maintain records in sufficient detail to track the sequence and nature of professional services rendered and consistent with any legal, regulatory, agency, or institutional requirement.

School counselors are trained and are obligated to apply pertinent standards in test selection, orientation, administration, and interpretation.

Many computer programs are designed for counselors to quickly and effortlessly document counseling concerns but in using this technology, counselors need to safeguard computer data and preserve student anonymity.

Computer Use.

When computer applications are used as a component of counseling services, as in testing or assessment, counselors must ensure that:

    (a) client is capable of using the computer application;    (b) the computer application is appropriate to the needs of the client; and    (c) the client understands the purpose and operation of computer application.

Students often bring about positive changes with their peers and serve as the powerful agents behind peer facilitation programs in schools.

References:

Studer, Jeannine R. (2005). The Professional School Counselor. An advocate for students. USA: Thomson Brooks/Cole, pp.32-53

Proposed Code of Ethics of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, Inc.

Guidance & Counseling Act of 2004.